LABOR GOVERNMENT WINS FIGHT FOR WARRNAMBOOL LINE UPGRADE

The Andrews Labor Government has secured the money Victoria is owed by the Federal Government and will deliver a $114 million upgrade to the Warrnambool line.

The Commonwealth has confirmed that they will provide Victoria the almost $1.5 billion it is owed through the Asset Recycling Initiative for the Regional Rail Revival package announced as part of the Victorian Budget in May.

The package includes a $114 million upgrade of the Warrnambool line, which will build a new crossing loop near Boorcan, upgrade signalling, and install lights, bells and boom gates at passive crossings along the line.

The upgrade will also install new train detection devices at active crossings already protected by boom gates, boosting safety.

These works will enable V/Line to run five return services every day, and pave the way for VLocity trains to run on the Warrnambool line for the very first time.

The landmark deal also provides $110 million to fund the first stage of a massive new Surf Coast Rail Project, which will prepare the corridor for duplication between South Geelong and Waurn Ponds, while work is undertaken to complete the business case for the duplication.

The Surf Coast Rail Project will also reserve the rail corridor for a future spur line to Torquay, connecting Victoria’s surf coast to the rail network for the very first time.

With funding now secured, the Labor Government will get on with planning and delivering these major upgrades, which will deliver better services for passengers in Warrnambool, the south west and across regional Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney

“We promised to deliver these upgrades and now we’ve secured the funding.”

“This is the biggest investment in rail for this region in decades, and will mean more frequent, reliable services and new VLocity trains for local passengers.”

“The Warrnambool community deserve access to the best rail services possible, we’re now about to get on with delivering these long-awaited improvements for local passengers.”